Sections

Popular Festivals

The Troggs singer Reg Presley has died at the age of 71 following a battle with cancer.

The Troggs are a deeply mis-understood phenomenon. For most people, the band are known for their seismic Freakbeat cut 'Wild Thing' while others might know them as the true authors of 'Love Is All Around' - later a record breaking hit for Wet Wet Wet.

Deep down, though, the band were amongst the most successful to match the emerging counter culture to a pop template. Sure, 'Love Is All Around' is a perfectly crafted 60s nugget but check out B-side 'When Will The Rain Come' for a dark piece of pop psych with a deadly garage edge.

Perennial favourites on the Golden Oldies scene, The Troggs legacy is perhaps shrouded by its safeguards. Which of course isn't to decry the band's later career - touring almost until the end of his life, it was only the diagnosis of cancer which forced Reg Presley off the road.

In a statement posted on Facebook shortly after the news broke Presley wrote: "As you all know I was taken ill whilst doing a gig in Germany in December. During my stay in hospital tests showed that in fact I have lung cancer. I am receiving chemotherapy treatment and at the moment not feeling too bad."

"However I've had to call time on The Troggs and retire. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for the cards and calls and for your love, loyalty and support over the years."